Regional Forum The role of assemblies in fostering social cohesion and peaceful political transformations in Arab States TUNISIA, SEPTEMBER 2016

Transcription

1 O Regional Forum The role of assemblies in fostering social cohesion and peaceful political transformations in Arab States TUNISIA, SEPTEMBER 2016 ORGANISED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

2 26 SEPTEMBER :00 09:15 Guests arrival/ registration 09:15 10:15: Welcome and opening speeches Dr. Mohamed Ennaceur, President, Assembly of Representatives of the People, Tunisia Helen Clark, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (by video link) Representative of the Regional Bureau for Arab States 10: Break :45: Keynote speeches and first session: Social cohesion and political transition: synergies and challenges In this session, the keynote speakers will explore the ways in which social cohesion and political transition are interrelated. A key objective of political transition is to build social cohesion, while navigating political transition depends on mutual trust among and between communities. Ultimately, successful transition depends on requires the construction of a state able to provide security and well-being to citizens, along with a framework for effective dialogue and accountable decision-making 11:15 12:15 Dr. Kamel Jendoubi, Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister in charge of Relations with Constitutional Authorities and Civil Society Dr. Adel Abdellatif, Senior Advisor, RBAS, coordinator of the flagship Arab Human Development Report. 12:15-13:45 Presentation of the objectives, agenda and draft guidelines Jonathan Murphy, Cardiff University, Consultant to UNDP on Parliaments and Social Cohesion

3 13:45 14:00 Lunch Olivier Pierre-Louveaux, Inclusive Political Processes Programme Specialist, UNDP Regional Hub, Amman 14:00 16:00 Session 2: Preconditions for a peaceful transition and a cohesive society In this session, speakers and participants will discuss why political transformations diverge across countries, whether in the Arab States region or beyond. What lessons can be learned from states that have transitioned towards democracy, in this region and elsewhere? In what respect did the role of parliaments and constitution-making bodies in successful democratic transformations differ from that in states such as Libya, Yemen, and Syria that have relapsed into violence? What can we learn from political transformations in other regions? 14:00 15:15 Houcine Abassi, President, UGTT Trade Union Pr. David Fontana, Law School, George Washington University (TBC) Yiadh Ben Achour, Former Chairman of Tunisia s Higher Authority for Realisation of the Objectives of the Revolution, Political Reform and Democratic Transition 15:15 16:00 Discussion 16:00 16:30 Coffee break 16:30 17:30 Session 3: Parliaments, constituent assemblies & social cohesion This session will provide an opportunity for the different parliamentary delegations represented at the conference to discuss their own experiences addressing issues of social cohesion as elected representatives. Delegations will be asked to reflect upon and provide their input to the proposed Statement and Guidelines on Parliaments and Social Cohesion presented earlier in the day. Round table discussion led by representatives of each parliamentary delegation

4 Discussion facilitated by El Kebir Mdarhri Alaoui, Deputy Resident Representative UNDP Tunisia : Launching of the Publication The Tunisian Constitution, Process, Principles and Perspectives The Major Publication The Tunisian Constitution, Process, Principles and Perspectives will be presented and launched. UNDP has been developing this collection of articles on the Tunisian constitutional transition. This Resource Compendium will serve as a tool on the Tunisian constitutional process, whose successful result is of significance not only in Tunisia but in the region and more widely. The Compendium will be a unique contribution to understanding and practice in democratic transition. 27 SEPTEMBER :15 9:30 Day 1 Wrap Up & Presentation of Day 2 objectives 9:30 11:15 Session 4: Inclusive processes: The State-Society social contract; building mechanisms for social inclusion This session will explore what mechanisms of social contracts can prevent or address local, national and regional conflicts? What factors and spoilers need to be considered when fostering inclusive political processes? How can parliaments and constitution-making bodies foster equal dialogue, balanced decision-making, inclusiveness and participation of marginalized groups? 9:30 10:45 Pr. Christina Murray, Director of the Bingham Centre for the Rule of Law, Former member of the United Nations Standby Team of Mediation Experts. Alice Nderitu, Lead mediator, Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue in Kaduna State in North East Nigeria. Rym Majoub, Member of the ARP and former Member of the National Constituent Assembly Tunisia. Pr Wissam Saade, Political Science Department, Université Saint Joseph, Lebanon.

5 10: Coffee break 11:00 11:30 Discussion Presentation of the Handbook on the role of parliaments in fostering social cohesion Lunch 14:00 16:00 Session 5: Inclusiveness, representation and accountability: governance mechanisms fostering peaceful transition and conflict prevention 14:00 15:00 Pr. Francis Delpérée, federal MP, Belgium, Expert on constitutional law, constitutional revision, and unity and diversity in democratic societies Endre Stiansen, Advisor, UNDP Oslo Governance Center 15:00 16:00 Discussion Break : Session 6: How to support inclusive and efficient institutions to ensure peaceful transition and social cohesion Jos De La Haye, UNDP Bureau for Policy and Programme Support Pr. Zaid Al Ali, Senior Constitutional Adviser, IDEA

6 Waikwa Wanyoike and Jill Cottrell-Ghai, Directors at the Katiba Institute Nouf Alamarri, UNDP Global Centre for Public Service Excellence, Singapore Discussion 17:30 18:30: Presentation of conference summary and input on guidelines 17:30 18:30 Wrap-up and Conference Closing